We unfortunately had to cancel our 2018 tour due to the weather so have posted our materials above for self-guided tours. We do plan to reschedule the walking tours for Spring 2019 to formally acknowledge the many heroes interred at Oakwood who participated in the Texas Revolution (October 1835 to April 1836) and to celebrate the establishment of the Republic of Texas. You will be able to hear first-hand accounts from actors portraying “residents” of Oakwood Cemetery on what it was like to live and fight in Texas during the Revolution days.

The fight for Texas’ independence from Mexico may not be well known or understood by many of today’s Austin residents who have moved here from other states. For many native-born Texans whose family goes back generations, the stories of the people who fought for a new land and government free from Mexican rule is something they hold near and dear, for it was their ancestors who shed blood to help in that great cause.

Some of the highlights we will be celebrating are Oakwood residents who:

Participated in the opening battle of the Texas Revolution at the Battle of Gonzales

Was one of the leaders at the Siege of Bexar and negotiated General Cos’ surrender

Survived the Alamo

Escaped from Goliad, avoiding the tragic Goliad Massacre

Elected as one of 59 representatives to write and sign both the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Texas Constitution and risked being charged with treason

Helped win the decisive Battle of San Jacinto

Guarded Santa Anna after his capture

We hope to make the tours not only educational, but also filled with fun and interesting facts! Tours will start every approximate 30 minutes between 10 am-2pm near the Oakwood Chapel on Main Avenue. Kids under adult supervision are welcome, but please leave your pets at home and wear closed-toed shoes.

The event is sponsored by Save Austin's Cemeteries, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Austin’s historic cemeteries in partnership with the City of Austin. Tax-deductible donations for the tour are welcome to support gravestone cleaning and restoration projects of 1800s monuments.

If you want more information or would like to become a volunteer to help with the event, please let us know at info@sachome.org